Clamping assembly

ABSTRACT

A clamping assembly is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a piston that is adapted to move first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce first and second pins, respectively, to move first and second wedge members, respectively, in first and second directions, respectively, on the extension portion to lift a wedge coupling member relative to the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member that is further coupled to a clamping arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/195,292 filed on Mar. 3, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The inventors herein have recognized a need for an improved clamping assembly that can maintain a clamping force on a component even if pressurized air is not applied to the clamping assembly.

SUMMARY

A clamping assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion. The base member has an aperture extending through both the base portion and the extension portion along a longitudinal axis. The extension portion has first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces and an end surface. The end surface defines first and second guiding grooves that extend substantially parallel to one another and into the extension portion. The extension portion further includes a first side groove extending from the first side surface into the extension portion. The extension portion further includes a second side groove extending from the second side surface into the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a first wedge member that is slidably disposed in the first guiding groove on the end surface of the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a first pin coupled to the first wedge member that extends outwardly from a side surface of the first wedge member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side surface of the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a second wedge member being slidably disposed in the second guiding groove on the end surface of the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a second pin coupled to the second wedge member that extends outwardly from a side surface of the second wedge member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side surface of the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a wedge coupling member disposed on the first wedge member and the second wedge member. The wedge coupling member slidably engages the first and second wedge members such that the wedge coupling member moves along the longitudinal axis away from the end surface when the first wedge member moves in the first groove in a first direction, and the second wedge member moves in the second groove in a second direction. The second direction is in an opposite direction relative to the first direction. The clamping assembly further includes a first cam finger having a first elongated aperture extending therethrough. The first pin is disposed in the first elongated aperture. The clamping assembly further includes a third pin coupled to the first cam finger proximate to an end of the first cam finger. The third pin extends into the first side groove of the extension portion such that the third pin is slidably received in the first side groove. The clamping assembly further includes a second cam finger having a second elongated aperture extending therethrough. The second pin is disposed in the second elongated aperture. The clamping assembly further includes a fourth pin coupled to the second cam finger proximate to an end of the second cam finger. The fourth pin extends into the second side groove of the extension portion such that the fourth pin is slidably received in the second side groove. The clamping assembly further includes a piston pivotally coupled to another end of the first cam finger and another end of the second cam finger. The piston is adapted to move the first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce the first and second pins, respectively, to move the first and second wedge members, respectively, in the first and second directions, respectively. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member and extending through the aperture of the base member. The shaft is further coupled to a clamping arm.

A clamping assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion. The base member has an aperture extending through both the base portion and the extension portion along a longitudinal axis. The extension portion has first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces and an end surface. The first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to one another. The third and fourth side surfaces are disposed opposite to one another and between the first and second side surfaces. The end surface extends between the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The end surface defines first and second guiding grooves that extend substantially parallel to one another and into the extension portion. The extension portion further includes a first side groove extending from the first side surface into the extension portion. The extension portion further includes a second side groove extending from the second side surface into the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a first wedge member that is slidably disposed in the first guiding groove on the end surface of the extension portion. The first wedge member has a first slanted top surface and first and second end surfaces. A length of the first end surface of the first wedge member is greater than a length of the second end surface of the first wedge member. The first slanted top surface extends from the first end surface to the second end surface of the first wedge member. The first end surface of the first wedge member is disposed closer to the third side surface than the fourth side surface. The clamping assembly further includes a first pin coupled to the first wedge member that extends outwardly from a side surface of the first wedge member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side surface of the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a second wedge member that is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove on the end surface of the extension portion. The second wedge member has a second slanted top surface and first and second end surfaces. A length of the first end surface of the second wedge member is greater than a length of the second end surface of the second wedge member. The second slanted top surface extends from the first end surface to the second end surface of the second wedge member. The first end surface of the second wedge member is disposed closer to the fourth side surface than the third side surface. The clamping assembly further includes a second pin coupled to the second wedge member that extends outwardly from a side surface of the second wedge member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side surface of the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a wedge coupling member disposed on the first slanted top surface of the first wedge member and the second slanted surface of the second wedge member. The wedge coupling member slidably engages the first and second wedge members such that the wedge coupling member moves along the longitudinal axis away from the end surface of the extension portion when the first wedge member moves in the first groove in a first direction, and the second wedge member moves in the second groove in a second direction. The second direction is in an opposite direction relative to the first direction. The wedge coupling member moves along the longitudinal axis toward the end surface of the extension portion when the first wedge member moves in the first groove in the second direction, and the second wedge member moves in the second groove in the first direction. The clamping assembly further includes a first cam finger having a first elongated aperture extending therethrough. The first pin is disposed in the first elongated aperture such that the first cam finger is slidably coupled to the first pin. The clamping assembly further includes a third pin coupled to the first cam finger proximate to an end of the first cam finger. The third pin extends into the first side groove of the extension portion such that the third pin is slidably received in the first side groove. The clamping assembly further includes a second cam finger having a second elongated aperture extending therethrough. The second pin is disposed in the second elongated aperture such that the second cam finger is slidably coupled to the second pin. The clamping assembly further includes a fourth pin coupled to the second cam finger proximate to an end of the second cam finger. The fourth pin extends into the second side groove of the extension portion such that the fourth pin is slidably received in the second side groove. The clamping assembly further includes a piston pivotally coupled to another end of the first cam finger and another end of the second cam finger. The piston is adapted to move the first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce the first and second pins, respectively, to move the first and second wedge members, respectively, in the first and second directions, respectively. The piston is further adapted to move the first and second cam fingers away from the base portion to induce the first and second pins, respectively, to move the first and second wedge members, respectively, in the second and first directions, respectively. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member and extending through the aperture of the base member. The shaft is further coupled to a clamping arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a clamping system having a clamping assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and a pneumatic system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of the clamping assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a first side view of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having an unclamped operational position, with a housing being removed from the clamping assembly;

FIG. 4 is a second side view of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the unclamped operational position, with the housing being removed from the clamping assembly;

FIG. 5 is another schematic of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the unclamped operational position, with the housing being removed from the clamping assembly;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having an unclamped operational position;

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having an unclamped operational position;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having a clamped operational position, with the housing being removed from the clamping assembly;

FIG. 11 is another schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the clamped operational position, with the housing being removed from the clamping assembly;

FIG. 12 is another schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the clamped operational position, with the housing being removed from the clamping assembly;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the clamped operational position;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the clamped operational position;

FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional schematic of a portion of the clamping assembly of FIG. 2 having the clamped operational position;

FIG. 16 is a schematic of a wedge coupling member utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is a first side view of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a second side view of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is another side view of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a schematic of a first wedge member utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 22 is another schematic of the first wedge member of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the first wedge member of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a schematic of a second wedge member utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 25 is another schematic of the second wedge member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an end view of the second wedge member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a schematic of a wedge coupling member utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 28 is another schematic of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is another schematic of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the wedge coupling member of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a schematic of a first cam finger utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the first cam finger of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is another schematic of the first cam finger of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a schematic of a second cam finger utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 35 is a schematic of a piston utilized in the clamping assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 36 is another schematic of the piston of FIG. 35; and

FIG. 37 is another schematic of the piston of FIG. 35.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, and 15, a clamping system 10 having a clamping assembly 20 and a pneumatic system 30 is provided. The clamping assembly 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment selectively clamps and holds a component 40 (as shown in FIG. 15), and thereafter unclamps the component 40 (as shown in FIG. 8).

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the clamping assembly 20 includes a base member 60, first and second wedge members 64, 66, first, second, third, and fourth pins 68, 70, 72, 74, a wedge coupling member 80, a shaft 82, guide bolts 84, 86, springs 90, 92, bushings 96, 98, first and second cam fingers 102, 104, a clamping arm 124, first and second retaining plates 128, 132, a piston 140, a housing 142, a cap 144, an adapter plate 152, and a rotate driving assembly 153 (shown in FIG. 1). An advantage of the clamping assembly 20 is that the clamping assembly 20 can maintain a clamping force on the component 40 (shown in FIG. 15) even if the pneumatic system 30 is no longer applying pressurized air to the clamping assembly 20. In other words, the clamping assembly 20 can maintain a clamping force on the component 40 even if a force is not being applied to the piston 140. Also, the clamping assembly 20 can generate two times more clamping force than other pneumatic clamps of similar size. Further, the clamping assembly 20 can maintain a clamped position of the component 40 even if an additional force is applied downwardly (in FIG. 15) to the clamping arm 124 while the clamping assembly 20 is holding the component 40 therein.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 14 and 16-19, the base member 60 is provided to slidably support the first and second wedge members 64, 66 thereon. The base member 60 has a base portion 250 and an extension portion 254 extending from the base portion 250. The base member 60 has an aperture 270 extending through both the base portion 250 and the extension portion 254 along a longitudinal axis 272 (shown in FIG. 17). The bushing 96 (shown in FIG. 14) is disposed at a top end of the aperture 270. The bushing 98 (shown in FIG. 14) is disposed at a bottom end of the aperture 270. The base member 60 further includes a pneumatic port 274 (shown in FIG. 8) that fluidly communicates with the pneumatic system 30. The pneumatic port 274 further fluidly communicates with a pneumatic channel 275 that further fluidly communicates with an internal space 910 (shown in FIG. 8) of the housing 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the base member 60 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the base member 60 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20, the base portion 250 includes a plate portion 258, a tubular portion 262, and a cylindrical portion 264. The plate portion 258 includes top surface 280 and a bottom surface 282. The plate portion 258 further includes apertures 290, 292, 294, 296 extending therethrough for receiving bolts therethrough for coupling the housing 142 (shown in FIG. 6) to the base portion 250. The tubular portion 262 extends outwardly from the bottom surface 282 of the plate portion 258 and is centered about the axis 272. The cylindrical portion 264 extends outwardly from the top surface 280 of the plate portion 258 and is centered about the axis 272.

The extension portion 254 has first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces 350, 352, 354, 356 and an end surface 358. The first and second side surfaces 350, 352 extend substantially parallel to one another. The third and fourth side surfaces 354, 356 are disposed opposite to one another and between the first and second side surfaces 350, 352. The end surface 358 extends between the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces 350, 352, 354, 356 at an end of the extension portion 254 distal from the base portion 250.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 16 and 20, the end surface 358 defines first and second guiding grooves 370, 372 that extend substantially parallel to one another and into the extension portion 254. The first and second guiding grooves 370, 372 are configured to slidably receive the first and second wedge members 64, 66, respectively, therein. The first guiding groove 370 defines guide surfaces 373, 374 that are substantially perpendicular to one another. The second guiding groove 372 defines guide surfaces 375, 376 that are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 16, the extension portion 254 further includes threaded apertures 380, 382 extending from the end surface 358 into the extension portion 254. The aperture 270 is disposed between the apertures 380, 382. The apertures 380, 382 are configured to receive the guide bolts 84, 86, respectively, therein.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17, the extension portion 254 further includes a first side groove 390 extending from the first side surface 350 into the extension portion 254. The first side groove 390 is configured to slidably receive the pin 72 therein. As shown, a plane 411 bisects the base member 60 through the longitudinal axis 272 such that the plane 411 is substantially perpendicular with the first and second side surfaces 350, 352 of the extension portion 254. The first side groove 390 extends along an axis 413 that is disposed at an angle θ1 in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the plane 411. In an alternative embodiment, the angle θ1 is in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the plane 411.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 18, the extension portion 254 further includes a second side groove 392 extending from the second side surface 352 into the extension portion 254. The second side groove 392 is configured to slidably receive the pin 74 therein. The second side groove 392 extends along an axis 415 that is disposed at an angle θ2 in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the plane 411. In an alternative embodiment, the angle θ2 is in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the plane 411.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 17, the extension portion 254 further includes threaded apertures 400, 402 extending from the first side surface 350 into the extension portion 254. The threaded apertures 400, 402 are configured to receive first and second bolts, respectively, therein for coupling the first retaining plate 128 to the base member 60.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 18, the extension portion 254 further includes threaded apertures 404, 406 extending from the second side surface 352 into the extension portion 254. The threaded apertures 404, 406 are configured to receive first and second bolts, respectively, therein for coupling the second retaining plate 132 to the base member 60.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 16, the first wedge member 64 is provided to slidably move within the first guiding groove 370 of the base member 60 either in a first direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 3) or a second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3). In particular, the first wedge member 64 is slidably disposed in the first guiding groove 370 on the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254. When the first wedge member 64 moves in the first direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 3), the first wedge member 64 urges the wedge coupling member 80 in a first longitudinal direction (e.g., upwardly in FIG. 3). Alternately, when the first wedge member 64 moves in the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3), the first wedge member 64 urges the wedge coupling member 80 in a second longitudinal direction (e.g., downwardly in FIG. 3). In an exemplary embodiment, the first wedge member 64 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the first wedge member 64 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the first wedge member 64 has a bottom surface 440, a slanted top surface 442, side surfaces 444, 446, and end surfaces 448, 450. The slanted top surface 442 extends from the end surface 448 to the end surface 450. In an exemplary embodiment, the slanted top surface 442 extends at an angle in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the bottom surface 440. Further, a length L1 of the end surface 448 is greater than a length L2 of the end surface 450. In an exemplary embodiment, the slanted top surface 442 extends at an angle in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the bottom surface 440.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 23, the first wedge member 64 further includes a groove 460 that extends into the side surface 446 and the bottom surface 440. The groove 460 defines guide surfaces 462, 464 that are substantially perpendicular to one another. When the first wedge member 64 is operably disposed on the base member 60, the surfaces 440, 462, 464 of the first wedge member 64 are disposed on or against the surfaces 373, 358, 374 of the base member 60. Further, the end surface 448 is disposed closer to the third side surface 354 (shown in FIG. 16) of the extension portion 254 than the fourth side surface 356 (shown in FIG. 16) of the extension portion 254. Further, the slanted top surface 442 extends at an angle in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254. Further, the slanted top surface 442 extends increasingly away from the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254 along a length of the first wedge member 64 in the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3). In an alternative embodiment, the slanted top surface 442 extends at an angle in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 17, 19, 20 and 23, the first pin 68 is coupled to the first wedge member 64 that extends outwardly from the side surface 444 of the first wedge member 64 in a direction along an axis 474 that is substantially perpendicular to the side surface 444. When the first wedge member 64 is operably coupled to the base member 60, the first pin 68 extends outwardly from the first wedge member 64 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface 350 of the extension portion 254. The first pin 68 is configured to be received within an elongated aperture 702 of the first cam finger 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pin 68 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the first pin 68 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example. In an alternative embodiment, the first pin 68 could be integrally formed in the first wedge member 64.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6 and 16, the second wedge member 66 is provided to slidably move within the second guiding groove 372 of the base member 60 either in the second direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 4) or the first direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 4). It is noted that the second wedge member 66 simultaneously moves in an opposite direction relative to the first wedge member 64. In other words, when the second wedge member 66 is moved in a particular direction, the first wedge member 64 is simultaneously moved in an opposite direction. The second wedge member 66 is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove 372 on the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254. When the second wedge member 66 moves in the second direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 4), the second wedge member 66 urges the wedge coupling member 80 in a first longitudinal direction (e.g., upwardly in FIG. 4). Alternately, when the second wedge member 66 moves in the first direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 4), the second wedge member 66 urges the wedge coupling member 80 in a second longitudinal direction (e.g., downwardly in FIG. 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the second wedge member 66 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the second wedge member 66 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIGS. 24-26, the second wedge member 66 has a bottom surface 540, a slanted top surface 542, side surfaces 544, 546, and end surfaces 548, 550. The slanted top surface 542 extends from the end surface 548 to the end surface 550. In an exemplary embodiment, the slanted top surface 542 extends at an angle in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the bottom surface 540. Further, a length L3 of the end surface 548 is greater than a length L4 of the end surface 550. In an exemplary embodiment, the slanted top surface 542 extends at an angle in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the bottom surface 540.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 26, the second wedge member 66 further includes a groove 560 that extends into the side surface 546 and the bottom surface 540. The groove 560 defines guide surfaces 562, 564 that are substantially perpendicular to one another. When the second wedge member 66 is operably disposed on the base member 60, the surfaces 540, 562, 564 of the first wedge member 64 are disposed on or against the surfaces 375, 358, 376 of the base member 60. Further, the end surface 548 is disposed closer to the fourth side surface 356 of the extension portion 254 than the third side surface 354 of the extension portion 254. Further, the slanted top surface 542 extends at an angle in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254. Further, the slanted top surface 542 extends increasingly away from the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254 along a length of the fourth side surface 356 in the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 4). In an alternative embodiment, the slanted top surface 542 extends at an angle in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 18 and 26, the second pin 70 is coupled to the second wedge member 66 that extends outwardly from the side surface 544 of the second wedge member 66 in a direction along an axis 574 that is substantially perpendicular to the side surface 544. When the second wedge member 66 is operably coupled to the base member 60, the second pin 70 extends outwardly from the second wedge member 66 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side surface 352 of the extension portion 254. The second pin 70 is configured to be received within an elongated aperture 732 of the second cam finger 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the second pin 70 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the second pin 70 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example. In an alternative embodiment, the second pin 70 can be integrally formed in the second wedge member 66.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 15 and 27-30, the wedge coupling member 80 is provided to slidably engage the first and second wedge members 64, 66 for adjusting a longitudinal position of the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124 along the axis 272, to either clamp the component 60 to the clamping assembly 20 (as shown in FIG. 15), or to unclamp the component 60 from the clamping assembly 20 (as shown in FIG. 8).

The wedge coupling member 80 has a central body portion 600 and first and second wedge-shaped extension portions 604, 606. The central body portion 600 has a bottom surface 630, a top surface 632, and first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces 634, 636, 638, 640. The bottom surface 630 is disposed substantially parallel to the top surface 632. In an exemplary embodiment, the wedge coupling member 80 has a width less than or equal to a distance between the first and second cam fingers 102, 104 (shown in FIG. 8).

Referring to FIGS. 3, 14 and 30, the central body portion 600 further includes apertures 610, 612, 614 extending therethrough. The aperture 610 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the shaft 82 therethrough. The apertures 612, 614 define internal ledges 615, 617 (shown in FIG. 30) for holding the springs 90, 92, respectively thereon. The apertures 612, 614 are configured to receive the guide bolts 84, 86, respectively, therethrough. The guide bolts 84, 86 extend through open regions of the springs 90, 92, respectively. The guide bolts 84, 86 are further threadably coupled to internal threads defined by apertures 380, 382 (shown in FIG. 16) of the base member 60 to couple the guide bolts 84, 86 to the base member 60. The guide bolts 84, 86 are configured to guide the wedge coupling member 80 when the wedge coupling member 80 operably moves longitudinally either upwardly or downwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 (shown in FIG. 3).

The first and second wedge-shaped extension portions 604, 606 extend outwardly from first and second side surfaces 634, 636, respectively, of the central body portion 600. The first wedge-shaped side extension portion 604 defines a first support surface 650 that contacts and can slide against the slanted top surface 442 (shown in FIG. 21) of the first wedge member 64. The second wedge-shaped side extension portion 604 defines a support surface 654 that contacts and can slide against the slanted top surface 542 (shown in FIG. 24) of the second wedge member 66.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 16 and 27-30, when the wedge coupling member 80 is operably disposed in the clamping assembly 20, the bottom surface 630 of the wedge coupling member 80 is disposed substantially parallel to the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254. Further, the wedge coupling member 80 is disposed on the slanted top surface 442 (shown in FIG. 21) of the first wedge member 64 and the slanted surface 542 (shown in FIG. 24) of the second wedge member 66. The wedge coupling member 80 slidably engages the first and second wedge members 64, 66 such that the wedge coupling member 80 moves along the longitudinal axis 272 away from the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254 when the first wedge member 64 moves in the first groove 370 in the first direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 3), and the second wedge member 66 simultaneously moves in the second groove 372 in the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3). The second direction is in an opposite direction relative to the first direction. Further, the wedge coupling member 80 moves along the longitudinal axis 272 toward the end surface 358 of the extension portion 254 when the first wedge member 64 moves in the first groove 370 in the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3), and the second wedge member 66 moves in the second groove 372 in the first direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 3). It is noted that the first and second wedge members 64, 66 can maintain the wedge coupling member 80 (and the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124) at a predetermined longitudinal position along the longitudinal axis 272 based upon the frictional forces between the first and second wedge members 64, 66 and the wedge coupling member 80 even if a force (e.g., a force from pressurized air) is not being applied to the piston 140 because in this operational condition, the slots 702, 732 in the first and second cam fingers 102, 104, respectively, stop the first and second wedge members 64, 66, respectively, from slidably moving in either direction since the first and second cam fingers 102, 104 are locked in position due to the third and fourth pins 72, 74, respectively, being engaged into grooves 390, 392, respectively, of extension portion 254 of the base member 60 and the end portions 704, 734 of the first and second cam fingers 102, 104, respectively, being locked into position by the shoulder bolts 710, 740, respectively, that extend through the apertures 708, 738, respectively, and into the apertures 850, 852 respectively, of the piston 140.

Referring to FIG. 6, the shaft 82 is provided to operably couple the wedge coupling member 80 to the clamping arm 124. The shaft 82 includes a shaft portion 660 and a shaft portion 662 coupled to the shaft portion 660. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft portions 660, 662 are constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the shaft portions 660, 662 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIG. 14, the shaft portion 660 includes a shaft subportion 664, a shaft subportion 666, a shaft subportion 668, and the shaft subportion 670. The shaft subportion 666 is disposed between and coupled to the shaft subportion 664 and the shaft subportion 668. The shaft subportion 668 is disposed between and coupled to the shaft subportion 666 and the shaft subportion 670. The shaft subportions 664, 666 have an identical diameter to one another. The shaft subportion 668 has a diameter larger than each of the diameters of the shaft subportions 664, 666. The shaft subportion 670 has a diameter smaller than the shaft subportions 668.

The shaft subportions 664, 666, 668 are received within the aperture 270 of the base member 60. Further, the shaft subportion 664 is disposed below the aperture 610 of the wedge coupling member 80. The shaft subportion 664 as an aperture extending therein that defines internal threads. The threads in the shaft subportion 664 threadably receive the external threads of the shaft subportion 680 of the shaft portion 662 for coupling the shaft portions 660, 662 together. Further, the shaft subportion 670 has an aperture extending therein that defines internal threads which threadably engage corresponding threads of a bolt extending through the clamping arm 124, to couple the shaft 82 to the clamping arm 124.

The shaft portion 662 includes a shaft subportion 674, a flange portion 676, a shaft subportion 678, and a shaft subportion 680. The flange portion 676 is disposed between and coupled to the shaft subportion 674 and the shaft subportion 678. The shaft subportion 678 is disposed between and coupled to the flange portion 676 and the shaft subportion 680. The shaft subportion 674 and shaft subportion 678 have an identical diameter to one another. The flange portion 676 has a diameter larger than each diameter of the shaft subportion 674 and the shaft subportion 678. The shaft subportion 674 extends through an aperture 974 in the cap 144 and an aperture 814 in the piston 140. Further, the flange portion 678 is disposed above the wedge coupling member 80 and has a diameter larger than the aperture 610 of the wedge coupling member 80. The shaft subportion 678 extends through the aperture 610 of the wedge coupling member 80, and the shaft subportion 680 is threadably received in the aperture 672 of the shaft portion 660.

During operation, when the wedge coupling member 80 moves upwardly along the longitudinal axis 272, the shaft 82 (which is coupled to the wedge coupling member 80) also moves upwardly along the longitudinal axis 272. Alternately, when the wedge coupling member 80 moves downwardly along the longitudinal axis 272, the shaft 82 also moves downwardly along longitudinal axis 272.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 31-33, the first cam finger 102 is provided to move the first wedge member 64 in either the first direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 3) or the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3) via the pin 68. The first cam finger 102 operably couples the piston 140 to the pin 68 which is further coupled to the first wedge member 64.

The first cam finger 102 has an elongated body portion 700 having an elongated aperture 702 extending therethrough. Further, the elongated body portion 700 has first and second end portions 703, 704 having apertures 706, 708, respectively, extending therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cam finger 102 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the first cam finger 102 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 16, the pin 72 extends through the aperture 706 and is fixedly coupled to the elongated body portion 700. The pin 72 is further received within the first side groove 390 of the base member 60. The first pin 68 that is coupled to the first wedge member 64 is slidably disposed in the elongated aperture 702. Further, a bolt 710 extends through the aperture 708 (shown in FIG. 31) and the aperture 850 (shown in FIG. 35) of the piston 140 and pivotally couples the end portion 704 (shown in FIG. 31) of the first cam finger 102 to the piston 140 such that the end portion 704 can pivot relative to a centerline of the apertures 708, 850.

Referring to FIG. 3, a plane 411 bisects the base member 60 through the longitudinal axis 272 such that the plane 411 is substantially perpendicular with the first and second side surfaces 350, 352 of the extension portion 254 (shown in FIG. 16). The elongated aperture 702 of the first cam finger 102 is centered and extends along an axis 712 that disposed at an angle in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the plane 411. The elongated aperture 702 has an end that is closer to the third side surface 354 than another end of the elongated aperture 702. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated aperture 702 of the first cam finger 102 is centered and extends along an axis 712 that disposed at an angle in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the plane 411.

During operation, when the piston 140 moves from the first operational position (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9) downwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 to the second operational position (shown in FIGS. 11-15), the end portion 703 of the first cam finger 102 moves along the axis 413 (shown in FIG. 17) of the first side groove 390 of the extension portion 254. Further, the first pin 68 moves within the elongated aperture 702 and moves the first wedge member 64 in the first direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 3) to move the wedge coupling member 80, the shaft 82, and the clamping arm 124 upwardly such that the clamping arm 124 clamps a component 40 disposed between the base portion 60 and the clamping arm 124.

Alternately, when the piston 140 moves from the second operational position (shown in FIGS. 11-15) upwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 to the first operational position (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9), the end portion 703 of the first cam finger 102 moves along the axis 413 (shown in FIG. 17) of the first side groove 390 of the extension portion 254. Further, the third pin 72 moves within the elongated aperture 702 and moves the first wedge member 64 in the second direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 3) to move the wedge coupling member 80, the shaft 82, and the clamping arm 124 downwardly such that the clamping arm 124 unclamps the component 40 disposed between the base portion 60 and the clamping arm 124.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 34, the second cam finger 104 is provided to move the second wedge member 66 in either the first direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 4) or the second direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 4) via the pin 70. The second cam finger 104 operably couples the piston 140 to the pin 70 which is further coupled to the second wedge member 66.

The second cam finger 104 has an elongated body portion 730 having an elongated aperture 732 extending therethrough. Further, the elongated body portion 730 has first and second end portions 733, 734 having apertures 736, 738, respectively, extending therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cam finger 104 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the second cam finger 104 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 16, the pin 74 extends through the aperture 736 and is fixedly coupled to the elongated body portion 730. The pin 74 that is further received within the second side groove 392 of the base member 60. The second pin 70 coupled to the second cam finger 104 is slidably disposed in the elongated aperture 732. Further, a bolt 740 extends through the aperture 738 (shown in FIG. 34) and the aperture 852 (shown in FIG. 36) of the piston 140 and pivotally couples the end portion 734 (shown in FIG. 34) of the second cam finger 104 to the piston 104 such that the end portion 734 can pivot relative to a centerline of the apertures 738, 852.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 16, the plane 411 bisects the base member 60 through the longitudinal axis 272 such that the plane 411 is substantially perpendicular with the first and second side surfaces 350, 352 of the extension portion 254. The elongated aperture 702 of the second cam finger 104 is centered and extends along an axis 742 that disposed at an angle in a range of 10-30 degrees relative to the plane 411. The elongated aperture 732 has an end that is closer to the fourth side surface 356 than another end of the elongated aperture 732. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated aperture 702 of the second cam finger 104 is centered and extends along an axis 742 that disposed at an angle in a range of 1-45 degrees relative to the plane 411.

During operation, when the piston 140 moves from the first operational position (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9) downwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 to the second operational position (shown in FIGS. 11-15), the end portion 733 of the second cam finger 104 moves along the axis 415 (shown in FIG. 18) of the second side groove 392 of the extension portion 254. Further, the second pin 70 moves within the elongated aperture 732 and moves the second wedge member 66 in the second direction (e.g., rightwardly in FIG. 4) to move the wedge coupling member 80, the shaft 82, and the clamping arm 124 upwardly such that the clamping arm 124 clamps the component 40 disposed between the base portion 60 and the clamping arm 124.

Alternately, when the piston 140 moves from the second operational position (shown in FIGS. 11-15) upwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 to the first operational position (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9), the fourth pin 74 and the end portion 733 of the second cam finger 104 moves along the axis 415 (shown in FIG. 18) of the second side groove 392 of the extension portion 254. Further, the second pin 70 moves within the elongated aperture 732 and moves the second wedge member 66 in the first direction (e.g., leftwardly in FIG. 4) to move the wedge coupling member 80, the shaft 82, and the clamping arm 124 downwardly such that the clamping arm 124 unclamps the component 40 disposed between the base portion 60 and the clamping arm 124.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 10, and 17, the first retaining plate 128 is coupled to the first side surface 350 of the extension portion 254 such that the first cam finger 102 is operably disposed between the first side surface 350 and the first retaining plate 128. In particular, the first retaining plate 128 has first and second apertures which receive the bolts 760, 762, respectively, therethrough which are further received in the apertures 400, 402 of the extension portion 254 for coupling the first retainer plate 128 to the extension portion 254. The first retaining plate 128 prevents the first cam finger 102 from bending outwardly from the extension portion 254.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 18, the second retaining plate 132 is coupled to the second side surface 352 of the extension portion 254 such that the second cam finger 104 is operably disposed between the second side surface 352 and the second retaining plate 132. In particular, the second retaining plate 132 has first and second apertures which receive first and second bolts, respectively, therethrough which are further received in the apertures 404, 406 of the extension portion 254 for coupling the second retaining plate 132 to the extension portion 254. The second retaining plate 132 prevents the second cam finger 104 from bending outwardly from the extension portion 254.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, 8 and 35-37, the piston 140 is operably coupled to the first cam finger 102 and the second cam finger 104 for driving the cam fingers 102, 104 in first and second longitudinal directions along the axis 272. When the pneumatic system 30 supplies pressurized air through the pneumatic port 970 of the cap 144 to a top surface 861 (shown in FIG. 35) of the piston 140, and exhausts air from the internal space 910 through the pneumatic port 274, the piston 140 moves from the first operational position (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9) to the second operational position (shown in FIGS. 11-15). In particular, the piston 140 moves the first and second cam fingers 102, 104 toward the base portion 250 (downwardly in FIG. 8) to induce the first and second pins 68, 70, respectively, to move the first and second wedge members 64, 66, respectively, in the first and second directions, respectively, discussed above.

Alternately, when the pneumatic system 30 supplies pressurized air through the pneumatic port 274 of the base member 60 to a bottom surface 862 of the piston 140 and exhausts air from the internal space 910 through the pneumatic port 970, the piston 140 moves upwardly from the second operational position (shown in FIGS. 11-15) to the first operational position (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9). In particular, the piston 140 moves first and second cam fingers 102, 104 away from the base portion 250 (upwardly in FIG. 8) to induce the first and second pins 68, 70, respectively, to move the first and second wedge members 64, 66, respectively, in the second and first directions, respectively, described above.

The piston 140 includes a plate portion 800, an intermediate portion 802, and a coupling portion 804. The intermediate portion 802 is disposed between and coupled to the plate portion 800 and the coupling portion 804. A central aperture 814 extends through the plate portion 800, the intermediate portion 802, and the coupling portion 804. The plate portion 800 includes a circumferentially extending groove 810 that is concentric to an outside diameter of the plate portion 800. The coupling portion 804 includes side surfaces 830, 832, 834, 836, 838, 840 which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 862. The side surface 830 includes an aperture 850 defining internal threads for receiving the bolt 710 (shown in FIG. 3) therein. The side surface 832 includes an aperture 852 defining internal threads for receiving the bolt 740 (shown in FIG. 4) therein. The shaft portion 662 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through the aperture 814 such that the piston 140 can freely move along the longitudinal axis 272 relative to the shaft portion 662. In an exemplary embodiment, the piston 140 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the piston 140 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example. Further, in an alternative embodiment, another member could be coupled to a bottom end portion of the piston 140 to form an elongated piston, and the elongated piston could be further operably coupled to the first and second cam fingers 102, 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the housing 142 has an outer wall 900 defining the internal space 910. The outer wall 900 has a first end 912 configured to be coupled to the base portion 250 of the base member 60 utilizing bolts. The inner wall 900 further includes a second end 914 configured to be coupled to the cap 144 utilizing bolts. The internal space 910 is configured to hold the first and second wedge members 64, 66, the first, second, third, and fourth pins 68, 70, 72, 74, the wedge coupling member 80, the guide bolts 84, 86, the springs 90, 92, the bushing 96, the first and second cam fingers 102, 104, the first and second retaining plates 128, 132, and the piston 140 therein. The internal space 910 is sized and shaped to allow the piston 140 to move longitudinally therein.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, the cap 144 is disposed on and coupled to the second end 914 of the housing 142. The cap 144 has a pneumatic port 970 fluidly coupled to a passage 972 which fluidly communicates with the internal space 910 of the housing 142. The pneumatic port 970 further fluidly communicates with the pneumatic system 30. The cap 144 further includes an aperture 974 extending longitudinally therethrough that receives the shaft portion 662 (shown in FIG. 14) of the shaft 82 therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 144 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the cap 144 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the adapter plate 152 is disposed on and coupled to the cap 144 utilizing bolts. The adapter plate 152 includes an outer wall 990 that defines an internal space 992. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 144 is constructed of steel. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the cap 144 could be constructed of other materials such as stainless steel, or aluminum for example.

The rotate driving assembly 153 is provided to rotate the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124 in first and second rotational directions about the axis 272. The rotate driving assembly 153 includes an outer wall 1000, a shaft 1002, a first coupling member 1004, a second coupling member 1006, and pneumatic ports 1008, 1010. The outer wall 1000 is disposed on and coupled to the adapter plate 152 utilizing bolts. The outer wall 1000 includes an aperture 1020 extending therethrough. The shaft 1002 extends along the axis 272 and further extends through the aperture 1020 and is coupled to the first coupling member 1004. The second coupling member 1006 is coupled to an end of the shaft portion 662. The first coupling member 1004 is configured to engage the second coupling member 1006 and to rotate the shaft 82 in a first rotational direction about axis 272 when the pneumatic port 1008 receives pressurized air from the pneumatic system 30. Alternately, the first coupling member 1004 is configured to rotate the shaft 82 in a second rotational direction about the axis 272 when the pneumatic port 1010 receives pressurized air from the pneumatic system 30

During operation, to clamp the component 40, the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124 are rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position about the longitudinal axis 272, and thereafter the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124 are moved upwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 to clamp the component 40 between the clamping arm 124 and the base portion 250. Thereafter, to unclamp the component 40, the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124 are moved downwardly along the longitudinal axis 272 to unclamp the component 40 between the clamping arm 124 and the base portion 250, and thereafter, the shaft 82 and the clamping arm 124 are rotated from the second rotational position to the first rotational position about the longitudinal axis 272 such that the component 40 can be easily removed from the clamping assembly 20.

The clamping assembly provides a substantial advantage over other assemblies. In particular, the clamping assembly utilizes first and second wedge members and a wedge coupling member to move a shaft and a clamping arm such that the clamping assembly can maintain a clamping force on a component even if a pneumatic system is no longer applying pressurized air to the clamping assembly. Also, the clamping assembly can generate two times more clamping force than other pneumatic clamps of similar size. Further, the clamping assembly can maintain a clamped position of a component even if an additional force is applied downwardly to a clamping arm while the clamping assembly is holding the component therein.

While the claimed invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claimed invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the claimed invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamping assembly, comprising: a base member having a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion, the base member having an aperture extending through both the base portion and the extension portion along a longitudinal axis, the extension portion having first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces and an end surface, the end surface defining first and second guiding grooves that extend substantially parallel to one another and into the extension portion, the extension portion further having a first side groove extending from the first side surface into the extension portion, the extension portion further having a second side groove extending from the second side surface into the extension portion; a first wedge member being slidably disposed in the first guiding groove on the end surface of the extension portion; a first pin coupled to the first wedge member that extends outwardly from a side surface of the first wedge member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side surface of the extension portion; a second wedge member being slidably disposed in the second guiding groove on the end surface of the extension portion; a second pin coupled to the second wedge member that extends outwardly from a side surface of the second wedge member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side surface of the extension portion; a wedge coupling member disposed on the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the wedge coupling member slidably engaging the first and second wedge members such that the wedge coupling member moves along the longitudinal axis away from the end surface when the first wedge member moves in the first groove in a first direction, and the second wedge member moves in the second groove in a second direction, the second direction being in an opposite direction relative to the first direction; a first cam finger having a first elongated aperture extending therethrough, the first pin being disposed in the first elongated aperture; a third pin coupled to the first cam finger proximate to an end of the first cam finger, the third pin extending into the first side groove of the extension portion such that the third pin is slidably received in the first side groove; a second cam finger having a second elongated aperture extending therethrough, the second pin being disposed in the second elongated aperture; and a fourth pin coupled to the second cam finger proximate to an end of the second cam finger, the fourth pin extending into the second side groove of the extension portion such that the fourth pin is slidably received in the second side groove.
 2. The clamping assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a piston pivotally coupled to another end of the first cam finger and another end of the second cam finger, the piston being adapted to move the first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce the first and second pins, respectively, to move the first and second wedge members, respectively, in the first and second directions, respectively; and a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member and extending through the aperture of the base member, the shaft further coupled to a clamping arm. 